Paul Ryan Says He Will Not Run for President in 2016

The 2012 GOP presidential ticket appears to be headed in different directions. After much deliberation—and speculation—Mitt Romney has begun dropping not-so-subtle hints he wants another shot at the presidency. But, as other potential Republican White House contenders also begin to whisper their presidential intentions into donors’ ears, Rep. Paul Ryan, the party’s 2012 vice presidential nominee, told NBC News he won’t be among the hopefuls vying for the party’s nomination.

“After giving it a lot of thought, I’ve decided not to run for president,” Ryan said in a statement on Monday. “Our work at the House Ways and Means Committee over the next few years will be crucial to moving America forward, and my job as Chairman deserves undivided attention.” The announcement from the nine-time congressman did not come as a complete surprise, as Ryan has given signals he might sit this presidential cycle out. And at 44 years old, unlike several potential Republican candidates, Ryan still has plenty of time to make a run for the White House.